Funeral Details

Pham Chien Thuat — affectionately known as “Anh Thuat,” “Ba,” “Ong Ngoai,” "Chu," and "Bac"—lived a life filled with joy, humor, and love. Born on March 12, 1950, in Son Tay, Vietnam, to loving parents Pham Chien Hung and Phi Mong Van. His life was a testament to resilience, compassion, and deep devotion to God and family.

Thuat grew up in Go Vap, Vietnam, and later moved to Bien Hoa after marriage. In 1979, he courageously fled communist rule with his pregnant wife, seeking refuge in Lamseng, Thailand. After the birth of their first daughter, they immigrated to the United States, settling in Chicago, where they built a new life.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from DeVry Institute of Technology in 1983 and went on to work at Zenith and Beltone Electronics, where he made a lasting impact. He later served as an office administrator at ABC Money Transfer before retiring at the age of 60.

Thuat had a magnetic personality—his kindness, humor, and boundless energy drew people in wherever he went. He was the life of every gathering, known as the fun-loving “drinking guy” who had no boundaries and could outdrink anyone with a grin on his face. His stories were unforgettable, and his laughter was contagious.

He had a deep appreciation for classic cars, 80s music, and Vietnamese Music Nhac Vang. His musical tastes ranged from Air Supply to Phil Collins. Like his father before him, he loved a good cup of coffee—usually while watching SBTN or reading the newspaper. His greatest accomplishment was seeing all four of his daughters graduate from college and watching all of his children grow into successful adults. He felt deeply blessed to witness and be a part of his grandchildren's lives as they grew, learned, and began to build their own beautiful paths in the world.

Thuat was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Pham Chien Thang. He leaves behind a loving legacy through his 4 daughters Kelly (Sonny), Ann (Jason), Jane (Richard), and Jeanne (Jimmy); 15 grandchildren Kadison, Kastin, Kelson, Kason, Emma, Ava, Henry, Jemma, Jayda, Joshua, Julian, Jionni, Zoe, Hailey, and Wendy; and his siblings Hong (Loc), Huong (Nghia), Diana (Vi), Dustin (Anna), Michelle (Hoa), Custin (Huong), and Kevin (Elaine). He was deeply cherished by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Dad, your absence leaves a huge void in our lives, but your love, legacy, and wisdom live on in all of us. You were our guiding light, our voice of reason, and our comfort. You taught us determination and resilience, and gave us the best of everything. Your 1000% effort and fight for justice inspire us every day. Thank you for your calls, your support, your advice, your warmth, your presence, and your unwavering love. You’ll forever be in our hearts. We love you so much, Ba.

Services
A viewing will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, from 4:00–9:00 PM at Midtown Funeral Home, 3918 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618. A funeral mass will take place on Saturday, August 9, 2025, Holy Child Jesus Parish Church, 2324 W Chase Ave, Chicago, IL 60645, followed by interment at Rosehill Cemetery, 5800 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60660. Midtown Funeral Home and Cremation Options, 773.654.3744, www.midtownfunerals.com